Hi, I'm very interested in your thoughts about the drug Marijuana.

I only use Marijuana when I attend a party where drinking will be taking place. If I want to enjoy myself at a party and relax I will smoke Marijuana instead of drink alcohol. I do this because I believe smoking Marijuana is more safe for me; whenever I drink at a party I almost always begin to lose control and drink contiously, but Marijuana does not have that affect on my body so I can remain in control throughout the night.

I promote the use of Marijuana over the use of alcohol. My family has dealt with at least four occassions where alcohol has deteriorated our loved ones and even robbed them of their lives. However, I do not promote abusing Marijuana, or alcohol, or even food for that matter.

So, what are your thoughts?

Marijuana certainly is better than alcohol.

I don't like it, and wouldn't do it myself. I'm not sure it's really any better than alcohol, but I'm not really an advocate of that, either. Personally, I don't use or approve of many drugs at all.

I don't like it, and wouldn't do it myself. I'm not sure it's really any better than alcohol, but I'm not really an advocate of that, either. Personally, I don't use or approve of many drugs at all.

I agree with you. There actually was a long period of time where I didn't want to have anything to do with partying, drinking, or drugs. None of these things are good for you and they will never have a positive effect on your life, but I figure I'm young, bored, and feel it would be nice to go to a party and forget about everything for an hour.

I don't use any drugs or alcohol, excluding those prescribed, because I feel the negatives outweigh any potential temporary benefits. To me, there are many other ways of escaping the world that can be achieved. However, I'm not exactly going to bark at someone who uses them. If you're old enough to make your own decisions, you know the consequences, and you're not putting anyone else in harm's way - go ahead. At the same time, I generally don't associate myself with people that use such substances for various reasons and I refuse to involve myself romantically.

I've never taken any kind of drug and I have no problem with the odd drink every now and then. I've never been drunk either as I'd rather know what's going on around me.

What you do to your own body is entirely up to you though. So if you like to have a little something to help you relax then that's up to you.

There is only one other person in this forum, so far as I know, who has said that they smoke pot. It's funny; I thought there would be a lot more people who smoked Marijuana on here -- not because we're all artists, but just because I thought Marijuana was a little more popular than it seems to be, I guess. Very interesting...

*VOMITS* Blech. Not interested. The stuff reeks like you know what. I have no problems with anyone doing it, but then again, If my partner did drugs then I wouldn't be with him. I've already had an alcaholic parter previously I don't one on drugs. I know I have family members that do drugs but other than my boyfriend, I don't care who does it, as long as they don't come onto my property and affect me or mine.

I don't really condone the use of any illegal drugs, but I'd rather see someone smoking a joint than getting smashed off their face at a party.

A bit OT, but I have a friend with severe scoliosis who smokes a joint daily to help with the pain. Nothing else has worked and it relieves her of her symptoms. I personally see no problem with that, she does it to have better quality of life and I think that's fair enough.

Anyway, I have no problem with someone doing some marijuana here and there. I wouldn't do it myself, but I can't see the issue if it's not being used in excess.

I have used marijuana before and so have most of the people I know and have been friends with over the last 11 years of my life. Everyone thinks that it is harmless and safe...it isn't. It is illegal for a reason and I personally feel that people who choose to use drugs can keep it to themselves and away from everyone else. If you want to do it do it in your own damn home cause when you go to a party others are breathing it in and yes it does get into their system the same way cigarette smoke does.

Marijuana is one of the causes of some peoples psycological problems later in life from drug abuse. Some have these severe reactions from mild usage as well though. When I was using it I didn't give a **** about anyone I knew anymore. I didn't give a **** about myself. The drug was a total escape for me and I loved it. Then I woke up one day and realised that I was heading down a road that I was not going to be able to get off of if I didn't do something soon.

I don't like the substance and don't like people using it. But if you are going to do it in the privacy of your own home and not around others who DON'T want to breathe your drugs in when they are trying to have a good time. Drugs and alcohol kill people and mess up peoples lives in major ways. It is your choice what you wish to use but I would rather do something legal than something illegal.

Think about it, you get caught it goes down on your permanent record. You really want that hanging over your head till the day you die? You really want to be paranoid that you are going to get caught or think that people are always out to get you? It happens....like I said it is your own choice but whatever you do in life has consequences and you are the one that has to live with them for the rest of your life. Choose wisely as you only get one life and can't go back and set the rocrd straight once your life ends!!!!

I agree with you. There actually was a long period of time where I didn't want to have anything to do with partying, drinking, or drugs. None of these things are good for you and they will never have a positive effect on your life, but I figure I'm young, bored, and feel it would be nice to go to a party and forget about everything for an hour.

What about when that hour turns into days, weeks, months and then years? Believe me you don't want to go down that road! I have months of my past I have no recollection of what so ever. I did some pretty messed up stuff and I still suffer for that today. I lost a lot of respect from friends and a lot of trust. In the end I lost most of my friends. I have spent years trying to get back those months that I have lost and I can't. It don't happen like that. You got **** going on then talk about it. Don't run from it as running solves nothing it only makes things a million times worse. Believe me, I've been running my whole life and only now have I stopped running.
It all begins with that one hour and then it leads to a lifetime of regret. Just you don't realise that until it is all way too late and there really is no way you can fix it all....think hard about what you are doing with your life...
When you have **** going on damn well find someone to talk to about it, go sky diving, rock climbing, be adventurous in a safe kind of way. Don't use alcohol and drugs. It is just bloody stupid!


<sorry if my posts offend anyone but they are my thoughts and so I have shared them>

I'm actually allergic to the stuff, so I don't like people smoking it around me.
As for other people using it, if its for medicinal use, I say go for it. Otherwise you really should keep mind altering drugs out of your system.
As for alcohol in limited amounts sure its not a problem, but if people go out and plan to get smashed or 'accidentally' become smashed on a regular basis, they really shouldn't be drinking.

Okay, I was going to post a reallllly long speech about why I think mull isn't the best thing in life. But I deleted it because to be honest, I can see the risk of this topic becoming an argument. All I will say now is that Drugs suck. Get High on life.

Marijuana is not all that harmless. It has been associated with long term organ failure in several internal organs, although these are relatively recent studies.

It does impair reaction time and attention span, as well as short term memory. Long term memory can be impaired as well. It induces lethargy and can cause the user to fall asleep. All these factors make it dangerous to drive while under the influence.

The intoxicative effects of alcohol generally disappear within 24 hours, but it can take up to a month before all the intoxicative effects of marijuana are no longer measurable.

I do not promote intoxication, whether by alcohol, prescription drugs, or illegal drugs. I do believe that alcohol can have a place in moderation, but marijuana, particularly due to its persistance, is not really in the same category.

There is only one other person in this forum, so far as I know, who has said that they smoke pot. It's funny; I thought there would be a lot more people who smoked Marijuana on here -- not because we're all artists, but just because I thought Marijuana was a little more popular than it seems to be, I guess. Very interesting...

Your from Canada! Which means marijuana is pretty much like a cigarette. That is why you think everyone does it, because sooo many people in Canada do. I used to but found that for the rest of the week there was a huge lack of motivation to do anything. Other than that I think it is harmless. Many people on here may be right about all the long term effects and whatnot, but I have not seen or heard of anything like that around here. For you it has to be your own judgement call. I would say no harm done with smoking pot, but whose to say I am right?

cheers
WW

I really don't think Marijuana is that bad. I've done some research on it and from talking with a number of people where I live I have noticed that there are truly a lot of misconceptions about Marijuana, the effects are short-term... I believe it's how you use Marijuana and your attitude toward using Marijuana that messes you up. If you become addicted to Marijuana than your really weren't so well in the first place, you know? My uncle, who is a recovering alcoholic, smoked Marijuana for years and said this to me: "I never gained anything by smoking pot, but I didn't lose anything either, so it was just a waste of time."

Marijuana is not all that harmless. It has been associated with long term organ failure in several internal organs, although these are relatively recent studies.

It does impair reaction time and attention span, as well as short term memory. Long term memory can be impaired as well. It induces lethargy and can cause the user to fall asleep. All these factors make it dangerous to drive while under the influence.

The intoxicative effects of alcohol generally disappear within 24 hours, but it can take up to a month before all the intoxicative effects of marijuana are no longer measurable.

I do not promote intoxication, whether by alcohol, prescription drugs, or illegal drugs. I do believe that alcohol can have a place in moderation, but marijuana, particularly due to its persistance, is not really in the same category.

Where did you find the study which concluded that Marijuana can cause organ failure?

I'm actually allergic to the stuff, so I don't like people smoking it around me.
As for other people using it, if its for medicinal use, I say go for it. Otherwise you really should keep mind altering drugs out of your system.
As for alcohol in limited amounts sure its not a problem, but if people go out and plan to get smashed or 'accidentally' become smashed on a regular basis, they really shouldn't be drinking.

I totally know I shouldn't be drinking, but I don't get accidently smashed on a regular basis. I'm thinking of switching over to pot for parties because I feel I probably could handle it more.

What about when that hour turns into days, weeks, months and then years? Believe me you don't want to go down that road! I have months of my past I have no recollection of what so ever. I did some pretty messed up stuff and I still suffer for that today. I lost a lot of respect from friends and a lot of trust. In the end I lost most of my friends. I have spent years trying to get back those months that I have lost and I can't. It don't happen like that. You got **** going on then talk about it. Don't run from it as running solves nothing it only makes things a million times worse. Believe me, I've been running my whole life and only now have I stopped running.
It all begins with that one hour and then it leads to a lifetime of regret. Just you don't realise that until it is all way too late and there really is no way you can fix it all....think hard about what you are doing with your life...
When you have **** going on damn well find someone to talk to about it, go sky diving, rock climbing, be adventurous in a safe kind of way. Don't use alcohol and drugs. It is just bloody stupid!


<sorry if my posts offend anyone but they are my thoughts and so I have shared them>

I've only smoked Marijuana four or five times in my entire life and I've only drank four or five times in my entire life. When I'm upset, instead of run to the nearest fix, I run to my guitar and I know how important it is to establish other ways of medicating yourself before you use drugs recreationally; I use music.

I know how Marijuana can screw up your life if you depend on it. I do not depend on Marijuana and I mentioned before that I don't condone abusing Marijuana. The only reason why I want to get high or drunk at a party is to have fun because I'm young and I don't do it that often in the first place. But what has brought me closer to wanting to smoke pot at a party and not drink is that fact that three people in my family abused Marijuana and alcohol, and the one substance that completely ruined their life was alcohol.

I'll admit, i've had some before. And i'll never do it again!
Other people though, I can see why they do it if they have arthitus.
And people looking for a fix, I don't bother myself with.
But I personaly don't like the stuff.

Drugs are like anything else in life. In small amounts there is nothing harmful in them. It when you over do it that it becomes a problem. Logically an adictive drug certainly makes this a difficult prospect, but human will is one of the most powerful forces in existence. The body is nothing more than a machine. It will do whatever the mind orders it to.

I personally don't do any drugs, and I avoid using perscription drugs and even headache medicine when I can afford to do so (Headaches are nothing I can suck it up. Tylenol is for quiters!). I prefer to keep anything like that out of my body. I'm pretty sure Marijuana kills brain cells too and I like my brain the way it is, in one piece.

I'm going to have to agree with Torana completely on this one. I don't give a damn if it's every once in a while or not. Doing it is reckless. People don't think clearly when they're high. You could hurt someone or yourself. Not to mention the fact that the smoke itself does plenty of damage to your lungs and the lungs of people around you. I'm sorry. I just can't understand anyone thinking it's okay. It's not okay.

You say you won't get addicted. Yeah... Sure... But what happens when you get a really good high and you start craving that feeling? One more time won't hurt, right? And another, and another, and another, and another... I get that. I've been there. And I'm not saying you WILL get addicted. I'm saying that no matter where or when you do it, there is ALWAYS going to be the possibility. Drugs are never a good idea. They can grab you by the soul, and believe me, they don't let go easily.

partying, drinking, or drugs. None of these things are good for you and they will never have a positive effect on your life

Wrong. Partying safely? You make new friends, you meet new people, you have fun! Drinking, well a quiet red with a some steak or spaghetti or something enhances the experience tenfold! And drugs, well, where would the world be without prescription medicine and drugs? Even marijuana is used in medicine. Morphine is just a medical version of heroin. Drugs can be good for you, and it's close-minded to think otherwise.

partying, drinking, or drugs. None of these things are good for you and they will never have a positive effect on your life

Wrong. Partying safely? You make new friends, you meet new people, you have fun! Drinking, well a quiet red with a some steak or spaghetti or something enhances the experience tenfold! And drugs, well, where would the world be without prescription medicine and drugs? Even marijuana is used in medicine. Morphine is just a medical version of heroin. Drugs can be good for you, and it's close-minded to think otherwise.
This is an example of the logical fallacy called equivocation. When Jaclyn referred to "partying, drinking, or drugs", her meaning was clear. She was referring to a pattern of careless intoxication and wild behavior.

Equivocation refers to taking a different meaning of words and arguing a point in a different context than the opposing speaker. When you argue about the benefits of socialization (partying), an alcoholic beverage with a meal (drinking), and pharmaceuticals used for medical purposes (drugs), you are employing equivocation to weaken the original argument.

Note that a logical fallacy does not automatically mean that your assertion is wrong, but it does mean you are arguing something not directly related to the original point, so in fact it does not mean the original assertion was wrong either.

Drugs are bad... Mmmmkkkaaaay???

LOL. Yep. I'm a big fan of clear thinking :)

In addition to some the points Cogito made, it is also addictive, though perhaps not as much as alcohol or tobacco. I have a friend who used to tell me it wasn't addictive - and here is his needing to smoke it almost daily to help him relieve "stress."

I really would stress people to reference where they recieved their facts about marijuana before stating them. As I said before, marijuana is a very misconcieved drug.

I found two different websites which share information about common misconceptions concerning the drug, that actually contradict each other about becoming addicted to marijuana:

NIDA - Publications - Marijuana: Facts for Teens, pg 13-14 (http://www.nida.nih.gov/MarijBroch/teenpg13-14.html#addicted)

Drug Policy Alliance: Myths and Facts About Marijuana (http://www.drugpolicy.org/marijuana/factsmyths/)

I'm fascinated as to why there are so many misconceptions about marijuana.

Once you have lived a life around the drug you get to know more than what you want to know. I have been around the drug for 11 years now and I know what they drug does to people and I won't ever change my mind about it. I saw a completely wonderful person turn into a drug f'd moron. He became paranoid all the time his moods were erratic and he is still that way now.

I was a totally different person on it as well and I hate the drug and all drugs. Sorry but it isn't safe at all. It alters your way of thinking and feeling and that is never good. Sorry again but I've seen this drug and many others ruin peoples lives completely. I would never say it was safe to use what so ever.

I can get a prescription for marijuana for pain but I never would.
Taken years ago when someone was young and indestructible he now has no short term memory. Or at least a really bad short term memory.
I cannot go near someone who smokes up since just the smell gives me a migraine headache within 1 min of smelling the stuff.
So no good for me for pain.
It is used for glaucoma patients and apparently it works on relieving the pressure in their eyes. which is good.
But to just smoke up like you would drink a beer is just plain stupid. It does harm you maybe not immediately but think about later in life when it comes back to haunt you.
I am all for live for the day but in some things actions today have consequences down the road.

Perfectly worded Lessa. I agree with you 100% there.

my opinion of marijuana...

i strongly oppose the 'recreational' use of any mind/behavior-altering substance... that includes alcoholic anything...

if mj can alleviate the suffering of some who are ill and/or dying, i think it should be allowed to be used as any prescribed drug is, for those reasons...

Never tried it or any drugs, but I would like to at some point - just the once of course. The last time I was in Amsterdam I thought about having one of those 'space muffins', but never got around to it.

Personally my favourite drug is adrenaline :P

I use weed very infrequently.

I use it instead of alcohol, like Jaclyn. I do this because alcoholism runs strong in my family, and even if it isn't the wisest choice, I feel that for my genetic makeup, marijuana is healthier for me than acholol is.

I only use weed when I really just want to let loose. I am typically a bit of an uptight person, and weed just relaxes me. Not only that, but sometimes I need to feel like I'm taking a risk in my life. While I don't recommend doing drugs to anyone (but myself, haha), I will admit that it is nice every once in a while.

(Disclaimer: I only do it on weekends and probably once a month, or even more infrequently than that.)

I would also like to add that I am not a fan of being addicted.

Lighting up every once in a while because I want to, I feel, is totally fine.

But the minute I feel like things are getting out of control, and I'm lighting up because I need to, I am out of the situation. That's why I dont drink anymore, again, because of my family's history with alcohol.

I'd like to control my own life, thank you very much.

If alcoholism runs in the family, you may also be at higher than average risk for addiction in general. This is also a major reason why people dependent on one substance are likely to get just as dependent on something else if they manage to kick the first habit.

This is true, Cogito. My mother is a recovering alcoholic and is a smoker as well. On the other hand, my father has never touched any substance that should not be put into your body. I feel that because I have knowledge of both lifestyles, I can live a balanced lifestyle myself.

I recognize that it may not be the most healthy for me, but as long as I am not addicted (believe me, I would back out if I was, I know what my mother was like, and I would NEVER put anyone else through that pain), I dont see why I shouldn't have a little fun in my life as well.

I understand that you can have healthier fun, but sometimes it helps. :)

I agree with mypensmysoul completely.

I would also like to add that I am not a fan of being addicted.

Lighting up every once in a while because I want to, I feel, is totally fine.

But the minute I feel like things are getting out of control, and I'm lighting up because I need to, I am out of the situation. That's why I dont drink anymore, again, because of my family's history with alcohol.

I'd like to control my own life, thank you very much.

It's funny how you think it's so easy. You can't just stop when you start needing to. That's the problem with using drugs. They can get a hold of you before you know it, and it's not just a simple "I'll just stop now" when they do. It's hard. Clearly, I'm talking to people who've never had to try to quit using before. Let me tell you... It's not easy. It's not simple. It's hard, and sometimes it takes a long time. When I was using heroin, I got off it for a year and then I relapsed again and ended up having to start all over. Then I got off it for a few months, relapsed, and had to start all over again. It's hard.

I smoke but intermittently. I can pick them up and put them down with little effect on me.
I use them to deter black flies and mosquitoes which I am very allergic to.
I don't and never have done illegal drugs. Just seemed stupid to me.
I did drink but alcoholism runs in both sides of my family and my husbands family so when our children were little we just gave it up. Never were big drinkers anyway.
But I was addicted to prescription drugs. Didn't know I was until I was on my honeymoon and had left the fiorinal at home. Husband said you won't need them because you won't get headaches with just me around.
BIG mistake. That night there were spiders and bugs and snakes all over the room. It took 2 days for me to get back to normal. Some honeymoon eh.
Now if I need painkillers which I do. I ask the dr. for oxicoten. highly addictive but they are the only thing that works. I get 15 at a time and they last me 2 months.
I am very careful about drugs of any type now.
So I agree you do not know you are addicted until something happens to the supply.

I know someone who was criticizing smokers for being so weak willed, and she made the bet that she would smoke for 3 months and then give up - just to show how easy it was. She failed, and is a smoker, and an idiot.

But I have to admit that I still believe I would be able to control myself. I've been on so called addictive drugs like morphine and valium (prescriptions- of course), and didn't feel any cravings or anything like that - even though morphine was quite a pleasant experience

Simple drugs are bad idiots take them.

That's a blanket statement, Haunter. I'd agree in 80% of cases, but I think there are some where they genuinely help the people. Not a permanent solution, but I'm willing to believe that they are capable of easing difficult situations even if they are far from the best course of action.

It's funny how you think it's so easy. You can't just stop when you start needing to. That's the problem with using drugs. They can get a hold of you before you know it, and it's not just a simple "I'll just stop now" when they do. It's hard. Clearly, I'm talking to people who've never had to try to quit using before. Let me tell you... It's not easy. It's not simple. It's hard, and sometimes it takes a long time. When I was using heroin, I got off it for a year and then I relapsed again and ended up having to start all over. Then I got off it for a few months, relapsed, and had to start all over again. It's hard.

Heroin is a lot different than weed, though.

Addiction is addiction, heroin or weed.

I don't agree with that. Heroin is A LOT stronger than weed. Comparing them like that is kind of dumb.

I'll agree that it's easier to get addicted to some things than others, but once you're addicted, you're addicted.

Yes, that's true.

yeah there are some drugs where if you get addicted to a certain extent coming straight off can actual send your body in shock and can lead to medical problems.

Alcohol can do that too -- if you're an alcoholic. I wonder if weed could? Like if you were a really, really, really hardcore weed smoker.... RESEARCH TIME!

Simple answer unless you need the drug medically. Only the idiots choose to take them. We live free we think free we choose our path. Idiots choose drugs. Like I said unless medically needed they are idiots.

I'm not an idiot.

Yes. Weed is different from heroin, which is different from alcohol, which is different from tobacco, which is different from barbiturates...

However, all of them can be addictive, in different ways and to different degrees. All can be harmful, in different ways and to different degrees.

No one ever believes they will let it get out of control, either in terms of addiction or harmful effects. Nevertheless, lives are ruined by every one of them.

Nothing is harmless. That is true. And everyone has to decide whether the benefits are worth the risk. For my part, the only one of those substances I will now partake of is alcohol, and only in moderation. For me, that averages to perhaps a few drinks per month, and usually fewer.

The topic of this thread, marijuana, is somewhat insidious. You don't really realize how strongly you are affected by it until you are away from it for a while, and notice how everything has lost its dullness, how you suddenly have energy again.

Like the song says, "Nononono, I don't smoke it no more, I'm tired of waking up on the floor..."

Ok, I don't smoke Marijuana as often as I believe you think I do. I believe 110 % in moderation. I think it takes a lot for an individual to feel as though their life is completely empty without weed, but not so much with cocaine, heroin, or meth.

I think you're intellectualizing it too much. Compulsive behavior isn't necessarily feeling something is missing. It can be hating doing it and a moment later realizing you are doing exactly what you hate.

Drugs are drugs and drugs are for the stupid suger coating it or not. Unless you medically need "Dope" like MS, Cancer. Then your an Idiot drugs are stupid and only the stupid people take them.

Excuses are excuses if you choose to take drugs your an idiot.

Why choose drugs? Why choose drugs to relax over doing something else like listening to soft music, going for a nice walk or reading a book or even meditation? A swim, or just lying in bed daydreaming? Why use drugs to escape reality? I can understand the need to do so because life sucks at times but It amazes me.

I personally don't have any intrest in taking drugs because I can get hyper and have fun or relax without using drugs to do so. I hate the smell of it and I have a mindset that most people that take the drugs are morons. But that's just my opinon and I have family members that do smoke mull or weed or whatever the heck you want to call it. But I tend to not see them much. I don't particularly like people that do smoke it also because half the people in my town probably do it because they think it's cool.

Many other relaxing things that are far more constructive... like writing for instance.

Heroin is a lot different than weed, though.

Doesn't matter. As I think was said, addiction is addiction. I've know quite a few people who were addicted to marijuana. They never saw it coming. Only the people on the outside realized something was off at first. It can happen before you're even aware of it. And it's very hard to just cut yourself off from something that's got a hold of you like that.

Yeah... not much of a reason to risk it either. A few hours of fun, if that? Wasted money, and you can get in trouble if you're caught with it.

Many other relaxing things that are far more constructive... like writing for instance.

I concure

well if your calling drug users idiots then many many many of us are considered idiots correct me if I am wrong but isnt....caffeine considered a drug, same with cigarettes, and yup alcohol. so if you choose to drink your an idiot....you choose to smoke.....yup your an idiot. Isnt Anything addictive is considered a "drug"

i do understand how you are saying that drugs like pot and meth are used by the idiots, but pot is way more harmless than alcohol, and I am sure the majority uses that at leisure. so before the name calling starts lets stop and think.

Just for clairification, I do not smoke pot or any drugs. The only thing i do is drink casually and enjoy a good cup of java.

Agreed. While we can disagree about the use of certain drugs, let's try to avoid judgemental words about the people who use them. The fact that we even have a discussion about marijuana use makes it clear that there are those who do not consider it bad or stupid.

A bit much to say everyone that has used drugs is an idiot, is it not?

And what exactly made you believe alcohol is more harmful, and that is less likely to be used for merely "leisure" purposes? Weed is known as a gateway drug... all of this is connected. Alcohol is one as well, especially with it being legal and quite abundant.

Though addictiveness is a large part, the definition most are using also includes a negative change in health and/or cognitive abilities. I understand that things like chocolate can be considered a drug, but there is a marked difference in their effects and potency in most situations (though I believe caffeine can be quite harmful to fetuses). Even coffee needs to be taken in moderation. I don't imagine you'd feel the same after indulging in a few dozen cups.

In addition, before anyone calls someone else an idiot, can we please learn the differences between your and you're?

People take pot to 'get away' if not for medical use.
People that take it for 'leisure' are doing it illigally, and doing it despite how easy it is to become addicted, and despite how bad the health effects are.
People who choose to take illigal drugs can do so... Generally they are idiots, yes...
I'm saying this from the point of view of personally smoking it occasionally by the way.
They are idiots, because it is illigal for a reason, they are however, fun, and make us happy. And that's just why people do it, to get away from the stress of life. I assume anyone saying that someone 'smoking it is an idiot' has never tried it. because anyone who has, accepts it, and the people taking it.
At the same time tho, marijuana has bad health effects, and i also believe it doesn't have worse effects than alcahol, but that's the governments fault for not recognising this, and acting correctly.
To conclude tho... drugs are a part of everyone's life. Marijuana is bad yes, people are going to do it anyway... it's not like people kick up this much sh** about alcahol.
choose to do it or not. I don't have a problem with it unless you become addicted, as long as you realise enough is enough, then all is fine.
Cheers

In my humble opinion, marijuana is not addictive. I smoked it for 3 years, not every day sometimes not for months. Then when I found it was making me lazy even days after I was done smoking it, then I figured motivation is important to me so I just stopped.

I wasnt clear in my wording in my previous statement, I meant most people I know and have met, smoke it leisurely. I am not calling anybody idiots. I was merely responding to someone who did say that. I was just saying that I understand what he was trying to say.
I cannot say with facts behind me that alcohol is more harmful, but I have dabbled a lot in both and I know from experience that alcohol is way more intense than pot. I am from Canada. We have strong pot here.We are known for our good pot haha Knowing this I can still say that alcohol is still more potent and harmful to the body than pot.

This is just my opinion, and like stated before I do not have facts backing me up, but I do have experience and that is worth taking into consideration.

your your your you're you're you're. Why did my wrong yours bother you so much. Are you picking on me? :D

Both of you did it actually.

Regardless of how much more addictive and harmful either one is, why even risk it? Perhaps you don't have a trait towards addiction, but that does not mean it is the same case for everyone. Also, when people are on pot, they are shunned from jobs, creating more problems and a cycle. So while marijuana may potentially be less addictive, it can create a lifestyle that makes the drug almost seem a necessity.

Mull may not be addictive to you but it can be to others. Everyone is different including biologically. Things affect everyone differently. I've read stories about people smoking mull then going nuts and bashing the crap outta girlfriends and such and killign themselves due to paranoia.

I don't use drugs as in Mull or whatever. I have caffeine and probably addicted to that and chocolate. Alcahol I enjoy moderatly I just don't see the point of going out getting smashed and waking up wondering who's bed you are in, why is there a hairy naked guy next to you and where on earth your underwear is. Nobody can lecture me about the dangers of alcahol. My previous parter was an alcaholis so I know the dangers of it. Everything affects people differently. Just because you don't FEEL addicted doesn't mean that no-one else is.

Marijuana is addictive and you are a fool to think otherwise. I saw someone who was using $250 a week of it give it up. It took him a year and he went through hell to get off it. Violent mood swings, hot and cold flushes, the shakes, he was a mess. It was like watching someone come down off a more intense drug actually.

Marijuana is as addictive as any other drug. If you think that it isn't then give it up for the next 12 months and see how much you crave for it!!!! I did and I harldy ever smoked it. Now when I smell it I get very ill.

I don't know why people think it is safe and not addictive but I have lived through a lot in my life and see a lot. I've seen what many different drugs do to people and to be honest, I won't associate with anyone that does illegal drugs anymore. It isn't worth it.

I won't ever stand by and watch someone's life fade away again. I've seen so much and experienced so much and all you go on is what dr's and web sites and people say. Try living it! Try living with a junkie and trying to support two children when they are spending every cent on marijuana as they are severely addicted and can't live without it. It can be as financially damaging as heroin and can ruin someone's life just the same. Don't be foolish to think any drugs is safe. None are!

addiction is addiction. And idiots become addicted because to become addicted you have to get hooked then take regularly and then hey presto your addicted. Well it’s for the stupid morons of this world. My advice stay clear of drugs it’s only for the dumb thick stupid idiots.

Ok clearly we all have our own opinions, but I think the name calling should be stopped. it is inapropriate. Just because someone does not agree with you does not mean they are fools and idiots or stupid morons. I hear that you think that pot is addictive, but hear me when I say that I think it is not. I lived the lifestyle for more than a year, and stopped cold turkey. I didn't crave it-not even once. You made a good point over how just because it is not addictive to me, that it may be to others, and I agree that that is a valid point. I honestly just have never met anyone addicted and find it hard to see how one could be, but I suppose I do not know everything about pot, and have not met everyone, and experienced pot in their shoes. Anyways I am stepping away from this conversation because I feel it has run it's course and my opinion is out there whether one chooses to actually read it rather than scan it.

you have a good point there word wizard but the thing is it all really depends ont he quantity you smoke as well. I found cold turkey with marijuan was easy to do as well. But I have seen those who just can't do it at all. It is due to the THC levels in their bodies and after abusing marijuana in a major way the levels get up fairly high and don't really come back down that much if they smoke it basically all day long, every day. Once the levels drop they can't handle it too well.

It is more with people who tend to smoke the hydroponics stuff instead of the naturally grown stuff. But you see there are so many chemicals in marijuan itisn't funny. Everyone's experiences are different and honestly it is great that you never got addicted. I just say if you are going to do it make sure you are careful and don't get addicted. It CAN be addictive and I have seen people get addicted.

All drugs are addictive there is no getting away from it. Just some people really are more suseptable to becoming addicted to different things. Sorry if I offended you at all ww, I never intended on it at all.

Simple answer Don't take them to begin with. Then you wont become addicted. If you have a terminal illness or MS then fair play. But anything else well your an idiot if you choose drugs its for the dumb and well we don't bother with dumb animals do we. And thats what druggys are dumb animals.

No worries Torana, I just was frusterated that such a simple conversation can lead to name calling. I know that the names were not directed at me personally, but if I said (for example)young moms are stupid, then you would be a bit offended-even if I wasn't directing that at you. There are a few other frustrations but it has nothing to do with the topic at hand. I still stick to what I said, but just to clarify I think both sides of the debate have very valid points.

night haunter you have every right to feel that way. It is your opinion to say those things. I do however think you are just trying to make the conversation more heated by name calling. Your choice.

Ok folks I know your all sensible but remember everyone has an Opinion and its never the same. Just keep kool heads.


Thanks


~Raven.

There are better ways of voicing your opinion than name-calling -- name-calling weakens your point, it just makes you look bad to judge people like that by calling them idiots, morons, whatever.

People can do whatever they like, so long as it doesn't impact me. I'm not going to try and stop anyone, though I will give advice and my opinion when appropriate. I don't like the idea of people smoking marijuana, and I would never do it myself, but if you feel the need to do so, go for it. I won't try and stop you.

There are better ways of voicing your opinion than name-calling -- name-calling weakens your point, it just makes you look bad to judge people like that by calling them idiots, morons, whatever.

We have to respect the fact that some people choose to express their views that way. If it bothers you feel free to PM any of the Mod team myself or Lpspider.

Or simply just ignore the remark and carry on saying your peice. But if the thread becomes heated it will be locked and removed.





~Raven.

It's funny how you think it's so easy. You can't just stop when you start needing to. That's the problem with using drugs. They can get a hold of you before you know it, and it's not just a simple "I'll just stop now" when they do. It's hard. Clearly, I'm talking to people who've never had to try to quit using before. Let me tell you... It's not easy. It's not simple. It's hard, and sometimes it takes a long time. When I was using heroin, I got off it for a year and then I relapsed again and ended up having to start all over. Then I got off it for a few months, relapsed, and had to start all over again. It's hard.

Granted, I have never tried heroin, nor do I have any intent to, but I have smoked cigarettes and weed, and did drink (for a very short period of time), as well as popping pills. I understand that heroin is much stronger by far, but I believe that addiction is addiction, and I feel that growing up with it both first and secondhand do give me several perspectives of understanding.

When my mother went to an AA inpatient facility, I saw how difficult it was for her to give it up; I know how hard it is for her now (5 years later! :) ).

I have also been in that position, though it was not as difficult for me as it was for my mother or many others. I dont know why, chalk it up to luck, a high morality standard (despite the fact that I use infrequently, I do indeed have a good head on my shoulders), or perhaps drugs simply do not affect me as strongly as others (highly unlikely..but possible).

P.S.

I honestly dont have a problem with people calling me a moron or an idiot or a loser.

I'll have the last word in the end; I'm going to Notre Dame University -some of you who do not reside in the U.S.A. may not know, but NDU is a highly presitigious school. I come from a school of 4000 and only an average of 5 ever get in per year.

I've said it before and I'll say it again: I have little common sense. Agreed.

Whether that affects my decision to light up or not is your opinion; I have mine.

(And personally, I do recognize that a bit of my usage has a bit to do with the silent, but ever so gratifying results of, boycotting the goverment's supposed control to tell me what I can and cannot put into my body. Plus I am a teenager, and I'm sure many of you may call it teen angst. -I do too. :eek: )

Doesn't mean I'm an idiot. ...More like an idiot savant. :p

I think there are two separate issues with the use of marijuana: therapeutic use, and recreational use.

I've done some time as an oncology nurse and, having watched plenty of cancer patients grapple with chronic pain, I think there are ways marijuana could be put to good therapeutic use.

For one thing, I think it would have fewer detrimental side effects than many of the legal drugs we use for pain control nowadays. (I should clarify: marijuana is legal for pain control in Maine, but I've never actually seen it prescribed by a doctor.) The "big guns" for chronic pain control are mostly narcotics or opiates: why not marijuana, which may give adequate pain relief without some of the nasty side effects of more heavy-duty drugs?

As far as recreational use, someone else will have to speak to that. I'm not sure it's any worse than alcohol, which I drink. I fully expect it will be legal for recreational use one of these days. Whether it is or not, I imagine I'll be sticking to red wine.

Granted, I have never tried heroin, nor do I have any intent to, but I have smoked cigarettes and weed, and did drink (for a very short period of time), as well as popping pills. I understand that heroin is much stronger by far, but I believe that addiction is addiction, and I feel that growing up with it both first and secondhand do give me several perspectives of understanding.

When my mother went to an AA inpatient facility, I saw how difficult it was for her to give it up; I know how hard it is for her now (5 years later! :) ).

I have also been in that position, though it was not as difficult for me as it was for my mother or many others. I dont know why, chalk it up to luck, a high morality standard (despite the fact that I use infrequently, I do indeed have a good head on my shoulders), or perhaps drugs simply do not affect me as strongly as others (highly unlikely..but possible).

You can understand to a degree, but watching is different from experiencing. When you're in so deep you can't see the surface, that is the most difficult addiction to quit no matter what drug it is. All I was saying is that if you're not careful, that could become you. I've been there. My father still is there. My best friend was there before he passed away because of it. For that reason, I still have to say that drugs should not be used as a pass time or a way to relax. People get hurt. People suffer. People die.

And let's think about it in a different perspective, since I know you can relate to this. When you're addicted to drugs, it hurts the people that love you. Your family and friends can have their lives ruined because of the mistake you made. Most former addicts will tell you that the worst part of everything was what they did to their loved ones. I second that, since I've been on both sides. I've been the selfish addict. I've been the suffering daughter. I've been the terrified friend.

My point is this: think before you use drugs, even if you only do it now and then.

My advice is stay away from drugs you can relax in other ways. I have seen men die and I have seen a great many people suffer and I never turned to drugs.

As baywriter has stated drugs can control your life before you know it.

On the days I saw the things I saw and beleive me they were grapthic and horrible I had a few glasses of whiskey with the lads. It helped me relax. If your stressed I suggest seeing your Doctor.

Drugs aren't good no matter how you look at them. They screw up your life (yes marijuana) and ruin any chance of success. My advice, get off weed now and don't think that it can be used as a "recreation" drug. Use it once and your likely to become just as much a pot head as the next guy. I hate drugs...